Biscayne National Park considers no-fishing zone

David Fleshler

Biscayne National Park is considering a fishing ban over more than 16 square miles of ocean to protect dwindling populations of snapper, grouper and other reef fish.

The 173,000-acre park, which covers shorelines and coral reefs in southern Biscayne Bay, released a proposed general management plan last week that would restrict fishing over a large part of the park and establish slow-speed zones in several areas.

The proposals are certain to be controversial, given the park’s popularity with South Florida’s fishing and boating communities. But studies by scientists at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science have documented sharp declines in the size and numbers of various species of reef fish.

The National Park Service considered a variety of alternatives in coming up with the plan, ranging from ones that were extremely restrictive of park access to those that tilted the balance more toward recreational opportunities. The park service’s preferred alternative, which contains the no-fishing zone “would emphasize strong natural and cultural resource protection while providing a diversity of visitor experiences,” according to the proposal.

The no-fishing zone would be between Hawk Channel and the eastern boundary of the park. Public hearings are planned next month.